24 January 2025
Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 sources worldwide. It's updated daily. Albums qualify with 5 reviews, and drop out after 6 weeks into the longer timespan charts.
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Ninth studio album from the Illinois pop punk trio, produced by Cameron Webb
7.3
Pop-punk perfection from front to back. It’s the last piece of evidence needed to cement Alkaline Trio as legends. Read Review
You can argue that it doesn’t break new musical ground, and you can keep your noses upturned if you like, but with consummate poise Alkaline Trio have cemented their reputation as this genre’s premier songwriters Read Review
It's a punch to the gut you didn't know you needed Read Review
A stunning return packed with invention and a sense of purpose Read Review
At its boisterous best, Cursed soars with the trademark harmonies of Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano, popping with an energy that recalls past peaks like 2000's Maybe I'll Catch Fire and 2001's From Here to Infirmary Read Review
It’s clear Alkaline Trio are enjoying playing as a group again resulting in Is This Thing Cursed? being one of their loosest efforts to date Read Review
Alkaline Trio diehards will find themselves, by turns, nostalgic for what came before and thrilled by what they hear now on Is This Thing Cursed? Read Review
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Mogwai The Bad Fire
Some of the most euphoric music they’ve made in a while DIY
Despite moments of overfamiliarity and some flat vocal experiments, Mogwai’s 11th studio record captures a band still reinventing their signature sound PopMatters
Mac Miller Balloonerism
Recorded in 2014 but never released, Mac Miller’s second posthumous album is the missing link between the earnest rapper he was and the evocative songwriter he would become Pitchfork
Songhoy Blues Héritage
Fourth album from Mali’s premier desert guitar troupe incorporates more in the way of nuance and fluidity while still maintaining their striking impact musicOMH
For years now, Mogwai have watched them from the post-rock mountaintop. On this evidence, it’s a hell of a view Kerrang!
As Mogwai embark on their fourth decade, eleventh album The Bad Fire proves this legendary group can still produce moving, intelligent and vital work The Skinny
To call it a mature album would be to take away some of the perennially youthful spirit of Mogwai, but it certainly achieves a crafted, discerning grace. However hellish it may have been, a baptism in The Bad Fire has clearly proved to be a renewing experience. Print edition only Mojo
Even on a record of many detours, the closing three tracks are uniquely surprising. Print edition only Record Collector
These 10 sheeting, luminous soundscapes lean into the band's considerable pop smarts as well as their soundtrack and post-rock mastery. Print edition only Uncut
While old-school fans may lament their softening, the Glasgow band swap rage for refuge as they face personal strife – and their 30th anniversary The Guardian
Rose Gray Louder, Please
The London artist’s debut album adds an enigmatic cutting edge to her upbeat dance-pop sound NME
A must-listen for those looking for new hits to dance the night away or blast at full volume at a party God Is In The TV
A sonic journey for head, body and soul to soundtrack all your partying needs for 2025 Dork
The London musician’s assured debut runs the gamut from aggressive jungle to uplifting house, toggling between hedonism and introspection The Guardian
While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, ‘Louder, Please’ is a wholly enjoyable record that captures the spirit of the dance floor with unflinching authenticity Clash
Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past twelve years or so. Rankings are calculated to two decimal places.
Kendrick Lamar To Pimp A Butterfly
Fiona Apple Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Kendrick Lamar Damn.
D'Angelo And The Vanguard Black Messiah
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Ghosteen
Self Esteem Prioritise Pleasure
Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Skeleton Tree
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Dave We’re All Alone In This Together